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This week brought a lot of uncertainty and fear over the recent attempt by the federal government to halt over $14 billion in federal funds that come to Connecticut to support our kids, families, veterans and first responders. I joined a press conference with Governor Lamont, Attorney General Tong, Connecticut Congressional delegation, and members of the Senate to make clear we will do everything we can to protect the residents our state.
A judge temporarily halted some of Trump’s efforts to freeze federal funds, but this is not over as new orders directed at our state agencies came from Washington again yesterday. There is a lot we don't know but what I can say for sure is I will continue to fight for residents of West Hartford, Newington and the state.
Speaking of Attorney General Tong, I was grateful to welcome him during such a busy week to the 20th District for lunch on Lunar New Year at Nummy.
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Pictured with us is Na who started Nummy seven years ago and we've all benefited from such delicious food in our community. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition and transformation. Sending New Year wishes to you from my family to yours!
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I hosted a press conference this week with State Representative Antonio Felipe and more than 60 of my House colleagues to introduce Proposed House Bill 5986: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REFUNDABLE CHILD TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX.
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This bill would create a permanent, refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (for up to three children) for tax filers earning:
- $100,000 or less (single filers)
- $200,000 or less (married filing jointly)
With nearly 40% of Connecticut families struggling to make ends meet, this credit will provide direct relief to 550,000 children across the state.
Every $1 in child tax credits generates $1.38 in local economic activity.
Connecticut is the only high-cost-of-living state with a broad-based income tax that does not adjust for family size or childcare expenses. It’s time to change that. I hope that you'll join me in this effort to create a more affordable state, reduce child poverty and strengthen our economy.
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Many of my colleagues and I gathered in the House chamber on Tuesday to vote in favor of legislation to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty.
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This proposal was inspired by the tragic losses last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change, which we helped ratify, means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.
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On Tuesday, House and Senate Democratic leaders announced on Tuesday a legislative proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, which is long overdue. A recent state Medicaid Rate Study found that Connecticut lags well behind peer states when paying providers under Connecticut’s Medicaid program.
Many areas of care are currently reimbursed at the same levels they were in 2007. One goal is to have providers brought up to a 75% to 80% reimbursement rate. Another goal is to create a system of automatic increases so issues like this don't keep recurring.
Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is a worthy investment, and that’s the type of good work we’re going to keep doing here in Connecticut.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing a wrong way detection installation will take place on I-84 east and westbound at Exit 43 in West Hartford. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, February 3 at 6:30P.M. and be completed on Thursday, February 6, at 2:00A.M.
For more information on lane closure/detour information Click Here.
The Wrong Way Detection System uses video cameras to detect vehicles that are traveling in the wrong direction. If a vehicle is detected, wrong way signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights are activated and begin flashing to alert the driver they are traveling in the wrong direction. Additionally, the system alerts the CTDOT Highway Operations Center and local State Police Troop barracks in real-time, allowing staff to monitor the activities of the wrong way driver on the ramp.
For more information on CTDOT’s commitment to stopping wrong way drivers, visit https://portal.ct.gov/wrongwaydriving
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Some of our communities are on edge after reports of immigration enforcement have surfaced around Connecticut. Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. The Connecticut State Department of Education released Guidance to K-12 Public Schools Pertaining to Immigration Activities.
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Starting Monday, February 3 The Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs offered by The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is accepting applications for both programs.
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The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application period for the Ignite Grant runs from February 3 through March 10. Click here for additional information on Ignite.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. Since this program was launched in 2020, more than $7.5 million has been awarded to child care businesses in every corner of Connecticut.
The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 3 through March 3. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods, interested applicants can register for a live information session here.
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The West Hartford African American Social and Cultural Organization is hosting the second-ever Black Business Expo on Saturday, February, from 1:00P.M.to 4:00P.M. at the West Hartford Conference Center in Town Hall, 50 South Main St.
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The expo will honor and promote the achievements of black-owned businesses located within the West Hartford community.
The event is free and free parking will be available in the Town Hall parking lot. I look forward to seeing you there!
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